Awford: I’m as angry as I’ve ever been

Mark McMahon

Andy Awford admitted he was ‘fuming’ after Pompey crashed out of the FA Cup to non-league Aldershot.

The Blues exited this year’s competition at the first-round stage after Mark Molesley’s scrambled effort nine minutes from time earned the Shots a prized scalp in front of the TV Cameras.

Pompey's Alex Wynter and Aldershot striker Brett Williams

His winner followed a sustained period of pressure from the hosts in the second period, with Pompey unable to get a foothold in the game after going toe-to-toe with the Vanarama Conference Premier side in the opening half.

That first 45 minutes offered much encouragement for the travelling Pompey fans, with Jed Wallace’s volley that was superbly saved by Phil Smith the highlight for the visitors.

But the Blues were unable to match it after the restart – something which angered Awford as he saw his side succumb to their non-league hosts.

‘There was a lot said in there (the dressing room),’ admitted the boss.

‘I said a lot, the coaches said a lot, the players said a lot – but talking is cheap.